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KOHA ANNOUNCES FORMER WMU BRONCO TO LEAD 14U B BRONCOS FOR 2019-20 SEASON

By KOHA Staff, 07/27/19, 11:45AM EDT

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UPDATE: Since this story was originally published, KOHA announced that it would not be fielding a 14U B team for the 2019-20 season due to lower than expected registrations at that division.

KALAMAZOO, MI - The Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) is excited to announce that former Western Michigan University Bronco hockey player and Kalamazoo native, Jim Holman, has been selected as Head Coach of KOHA’s 14U House B Broncos for the 2019-20 season.

Holman, a USA Hockey certified level 4 coach, got his start in KOHA before moving on to the JR K-Wings, the Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL), and then the WMU Broncos. He coached in KOHA’s travel program for several years back in the late 90s and early 2000s, and returned to KOHA a few years ago to help on the ice with two of his sons

"Being from Kalamazoo, I got my start with KOHA. I played for the JR KWings and the WMU Broncos, and coached with KOHA's travel program back in the 90s and early 2000s. To now having my sons playing in the association where I got my start is pretty cool. It's not an opportunity a lot of hockey families get, and I am excited to help continue teaching and developing our 14U House B Bronco players," said Holman.

KOHA’s Hockey Director, Matt Kakabeeke said, “We have so many terrific, homegrown hockey resources here in our community, and, any time we can tap into that knowledge and history, it’s a win for our club and our players’ development. I grew up playing with Jim, and to have someone with his experience leading our 14U House B group will provide those players and families an opportunity to have a terrific experience this season.”

KOHA’s Operations Director, Dave Toth, said, “the cool thing about Jim is, he was coaching the ADM before it was the ADM. My son is a ‘95 birth year and Jim was his Squirt travel coach. Jim focused on skills and development even back then. He is one of the highest caliber coaches I can remember KOHA having at the B level, and will be a great asset to the program.”

Holman and his wife Melodie have five children: Walter (10), Pryor (12), Clarke (13), Molly (22) and Alex (24). Currently, Walter and Clarke are playing in KOHA.

The 2019-20 season will be KOHA’s 55th. Established in 1965, KOHA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide every boy and girl in southwest Michigan the opportunity to enjoy and excel at the game of hockey. Our vision is to be a regional destination and national leader for youth hockey. For more information, please visit the website at KOHA.com